Understanding

I woke in my floor in a puddle of blood that trailed from the door. I had a huge hole in my shirt front and back, but no injuries.

"What the hell..?"

I rubbed my eyes.

"Am I still dreaming?"

I struggled to my feet. I got light headed when I stood and fell to the floor again. I let out a gasp of air. My body was still sore.

I knew what had happened was real, but what happened? Why aren't I dead? Where is my wound? So many things didn't add up.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Yuta's number. It rang 4 times before he answered.

"Hel..."

I hung up. I couldn't tell him about this. At least not yet. I don't even know what's happening.

"I should just go on without my day."

I peaked out of the window. Still light out.

"How long was I out?"

I checked the date. I was unconscious for a day. I turned on the T.V. to see if the story had aired. Nothing about it.

"Maybe it already aired?"

I pulled out my phone and searched the web for the story. It'd already been covered, by multiple news stations. I clicked on the first link.

*FAMILY RIPPED APART IN GRUESOME MURDER*

The headline sent chills down my spine. It had killed the little girl and the mom too. I tried to remain calm as I read the article.

'A family of three; Sataru Izumi (33), Hina Izumi (6), Togaru Izumi (38). The three were discovered today outside of Rentaru's Bookstore. The incident appears to be the work of a ghoul. Please take precautionary measures before leaving your homes until suspect is apprehended.'

I grimaced.

"Six years old... what has this world even come to?"

RING~

The article faded away to show Yuta's name and number. I answered.

"Is everything okay? You called then hung up."

"Yeah man, Everything's okay. It was a butt dial."

He chuckled.

"Ok. Text me if you need anything."

"I will."

The dial tone played through the speaker. I sat there for a minute just listening to the sound. A new sound began to overtake the beeping.

It crept into my ears. It copied my heart beat. A heavy numbness filled my head. I hit my knees and grabbed my chest. A panic attack? No, this a different. It's like a hunger. Only stronger, and affecting my entire body instead of just my stomach.

I ran to my refrigerator. I scanned what I had. I spotted some leftovers from the night before last. I ripped it from the fridge and shoveled it in my mouth. I swallowed. It was the most disgusting thing I'd ever eaten, yet nothing had happened to it since it became leftovers. It stayed in my fridge. It crawled back up my throat. I ran to the toilet and filled the bowl with the food I'd just eaten.

"Why is the happening to me?!"

I pleaded with God to make it go away. I'm miserable. I just need food.

It was almost as if that phrase was a trigger. Everything faded out and my body went off instinct. The next thing I knew, I stood in a dark alleyway covered in blood.